St Kitts signs LRIT contract

The St Kitts and Nevis International Ship Registry has signed a contract for the provision of a National Data Center for Long-Range Tracking and Identification of vessels on the registry with maritime security and emergency response specialist Securewest International and its marketing partner, SARS Corp. ('SARS'), a provider of technologies dedicated to the satellite-based management of fixed and mobile assets.

Nigel Smith, International Registrar of Shipping and Seamen for St. Kitts and Nevis, comments, "We had an extensive tender process for the provision of our National Data Center, including visiting each of the service providers who tendered, and chose Securewest International as we considered that they gave the best 'value-for-money' solution for ourselves and our owners but, more importantly, showed themselves in tune with our requirements as a small developing island nation operating an expanding ship registry.

"We are confident that with this support from Securewest International our owners will have the security and confidence of compliance with the LRIT regulations by December 31st 2008, and we look forward to working with them," he noted.

"St. Kitts have shown themselves to be leaders in adoption of the full LRIT solution," said Clare Williamson-Cary, Senior Vice President of Securewest International. "Our solution not only provides polling and historic route information but also includes integrated SSAS monitoring and AIS for those registries concerned with real time vessel tracking."

"This can be a significant tool for cost control and efficient fleet management." she said. "Through our 24 hour, manned assistance center we can interface with vessels for compliancy and LRIT anytime, anywhere, thereby removing drawn out implementation schedules. Securewest International and SARS truly deliver one-stop shop, turn-key solutions for vessel tracking and monitoring.